Arild Andersen's "Sagn," released in 1990, is a captivating fusion of free jazz and Scandinavian folk music, commissioned for the 1990 Vossajazz festival. This 16-track album, spanning over an hour, is a testament to Andersen's mastery of the bass and his ability to blend genres seamlessly. Recorded at the iconic Rainbow Studio in Oslo, the album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including the dynamic vocals of Kirsten Bråten Berg, the versatile saxophones of Bendik Hofseth, the rock-infused guitars of Frode Alnæs, the innovative keyboards of Bugge Wesseltoft, and the rhythmic percussion and vocals of Nana Vasconcelos.
"Sagn" is a suite of songs that builds upon the folk-jazz experiments of the era, following in the footsteps of groundbreaking works like Garbarek and Garnas’ “Rosensfole.” As a member of Garbarek’s 70’s quartet, Arild Andersen brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of folk music to this project. The album's unique blend of jazz and Scandinavian folk creates an atmospheric and engaging listening experience, showcasing the beauty and dynamism of both genres. Each track, from the opening "Sagn" to the closing "Sagn - Alternative," offers a rich tapestry of sounds that highlight the individual talents of the musicians while maintaining a cohesive and compelling narrative.
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